Republican Sen. John Rafferty officially announces candidacy for attorney general against Kathleen Kane

HARRISBURG — The race for Pennsylvania attorney general officially started Wednesday when Republican Sen. John Rafferty, standing before a phalanx of law enforcement officers, vowed to stabilize the beleaguered agency run by a Democrat facing possible criminal charges over a grand jury leak.

The four-term Montgomery County senator never mentioned Attorney General Kathleen Kane by name. But Rafferty hinted that the agency's reputation has been tarnished through Kane's legal and personnel decisions that politically benefit her at the expense of justice.

"Unfortunately there has been a black cloud over the attorney general's office as of late," said Rafferty, 62, a former prosecutor in the attorney general's office Medicaid fraud unit. "I want to bring responsibility back to that office, [and an] innovative and a strong, professional staff that is willing to work to get the job done for the people of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Rafferty serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. In 2013, he spearheaded passage of a bill, which Gov. Tom Corbett eventually signed into law, that raised gasoline and licensing fees to pay for a $2.3 billion transportation package to fix roads, bridges and mass transit.

Rafferty is not the only Republican looking to run against Kane. Rep. Todd Stevens, R-Montgomery, a former county prosecutor, also may jump in.

Kane has not been charged with any crimes. In December, a Montgomery County grand jury recommended she face perjury and other charges, accusing her of lying under oath about helping a newspaper obtain secret grand jury material to get even with her critics.

Steve Esack, The Morning Call

Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery, announces his candidacy for attorney general at a news conference Wednesday at the headquarters of the state troopers union

Sen. John Rafferty, R-Montgomery, announces his candidacy for attorney general at a news conference Wednesday at the headquarters of the state troopers union (Steve Esack, The Morning Call)

On Wednesday, Kane's spokesman Chuck Ardo said she believes she will be exonerated of any charges and will seek re-election. Despite the problems, Ardo said the office functions.

"The fact that there has been controversy is undeniable," Ardo said. "But the agency continues to perform its mandated duties and does so at a very high level."

Rafferty said the agency's problems have led to a "golden opportunity" for him to give up his Senate seat, which he has held since 2003.

The agency needs new leadership and Rafferty is the right candidate for the job, said Joe Kovel, president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, which endorsed his candidacy. The 40,000-member state chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and firefighters unions also endorsed Rafferty on Wednesday.

Rafferty is one of the Legislature's most ardent supports of state and local law enforcement and legislation that deals with criminal justice issues. Last month, Rafferty vowed to lobby his fellow lawmakers to protect guaranteed pension systems for law enforcement and firefighters, which they would lose under various bills aimed at controlling taxpayer-funded retirement costs. This month, he was a leading critic of Gov. Tom Wolf's pick to become state police commissioner, Marcus Brown, who was opposed by the union.

Should any pension bills become law and lawsuits arise, Rafferty said as attorney general he would defend the state against those lawsuits. In addition, Rafferty said, he would prosecute anyone, police officer or legislator, who breaks the law.

The election is in 2016. The winner would be sworn into office the following year.